GIFT  or 


SONGS  OF  THE  SOUL 


MAE    BALDWIN    HARDEN 


MAE  BALDWIN  HARDEN 


SAN    JOSE,   CALIFORNIA 

CITIZEN  PUBLISHING  COMPANY 


COPYRIGHT 

1918 

BY  RAY  W,  HARDEN 


To  MY  FATHER 

JARED  BALDWIN 


377439 


INTRODUCTION 

BY  RAY  W.  HARDEN 


The  collection  of  verse  contained  within  these 
covers  was  composed  by  the  author,  not  for  the  purpose 
of  merely  producing  poetry,  nor  of  publishing  a  book; 
but  through  that  mysterious  force  termed  direct  inspir 
ation. 

Mortal  life  is  an  experience  of  the  soul  wherein 
earthly  happiness  and  knowledge  are  earnestly  sought. 
During  the  struggle  each  must  encounter  more  or  less 
of  suspense,  disappointment  and  sorrow. 

Who  would  cheer  the  sufferer  must  share  the  suf 
fering.  Devoting  thought  to  universal  sympathy  often 
stirs  the  poetic  instinct  of  a  sensitive  mind.  Forms  of 
thought,  quickening  within  the  mental  nebula,  find  in 
rhythm  of  rhyme  a  material  expression.  Thus  are  emo 
tions  of  Humanity  translated. 

In  such  inspirational  manner  the  contents  of  this 
volume  came  to  be  written.  The  work  is  typical  of 
life's  vicissitudes,  reflecting  the  varied  impulses  and 
passions  as  earth  people  live  them. 

The  rugged  progress  of  the  soul  is  traced  as  it 
presses  on  toward  the  new  dawn,  in  which  extended 
consciousness  of  life's  purposes  will  comfort  struggling 
spirits. 

So,  approaching  this  still  distant  goal,  these  senti 
ments  come ;  not  with  gay  beguiling,  but  with  proof 
that  the  initiations  of  earth-life  are  held  in  sympathetic 
comprehension  by  the  author  of  these  songs  of  the  soul. 


CONTENTS 

Page 

Future 1 

Evening  Thoughts 2 

Tired 3 

I  Have  a  Friend 4 

My  Love  of  Long  Ago 5 

Life's  Journey 6 

Home  Upon  the  Hill 7 

Golden  Hours 8 

Days  of  Yore 9 

"If" 10 

Something 11 

One  By  One 12 

A  Supplication 13 

If  We  Only  Knew 14 

Sweet  Sleep 15 

"Judge  Not" 16 

Little  Words 17 

Fair  Isle 18 

Hope 19 


CONTENTS—  Continued 


Page 
That  Time  Has  Passed 20 

Waiting ;  Yes  Waiting  21 

Come  Summer  Days 22 

Is  It  Worth  the  Cost? 23 

Tis  Lone,  So  Lone 24 

Long  Ago  at  Home 25 

Youth's  Dream 26 

Rest 27 

What  I  Would  Ask  For  Thee 28 

Elysium 29 

To  a  Departing  Friend 30 

What  Does  Life  Give? 31 

Why  Should  It  Matter? 32 

The  Indian  Warrior 33 

Oh  To  Forget 34 

Light  Through  Darkness 35 

Retrospect 36 

Then  and  Now 37 

To  a  Son 38 

The  Gift  of  Youth 39 

The  Old  Mill  Stream 40 

Fate's  Triumph 41 

Storm  Tossed 42 

Thy  Will 43 

A  New  Dawn  .  .   44 


FUTURE 


Oh  thou  dark  mysterious  future, 

Tell  me  what  thou  hast  in  store, 

I  would  have  the  deeds  unfolded, 
That  must  be,  forever  more. 

I  would  bid  thee  sit  beside  me, 

Though  thou  art  a  thing  to  dread,. 

Tell  me  all,  for  now  in  sorrow, 

Every  earthly  hope  seems  dead*. 

Oh  thou  cold,  relentless  future! 

Thou  will't  answer  not  a  word, 
Still  forever,  moving  onward, 

Just  as  though  thou  hadst  not  hearcL 

Yet  perchance,  thou  art  far  kinder 
To  me  now,  than  I  may  know,. 

To  withhold  the  pain,  and  anguish 
That  thy  countless  pages  show> 

Hope  may  often  be  deceiving, 
Yet  'tis  better  than  to  learn 

That  our  joy  has  fled  forever, 
And  can  never  more  return. 

Leave  me  then,  oh  wild  Impatience, 
Let  me  in  this  bitter  hour 

Trust  those  things  of  future  moment 
To  a  wise  all-seeing  Power. 


. 

EVENING  THOUGHTS 

When  the  dewy  shadows  fall, 

And  the  night,  her  vigils  keep; 
When  the  darkness  reigns  o'er  all, 

And  the  world  seems  wrapped  in  sleep, 
Then  come  sad  thoughts  of  the  past, 

Hopes,  that  once  looked  bright  and  fair, 
Joys,  that  were  too  sweet  to  last, 

All  have  gone,  I  know  not  where. 

Pain  and  sorrow  come  to  mind 

When  I  think  what  might  have  been 

Had  Fate  to  me  been  more  kind, 
And  the  saddened  heart,  within, 

Wonders  will  it  ever  be — 
In  the  future  far  away, 

Will  a  blessing  come  to  me? 

Will  the  night  e'er  turn  to  day? 

Now  alas!  we  cannot  know 

What  the  coming  years  will  bring, 
Whether  happiness  or  woe ; 

Mystery  covers  everything. 
All  that's  left  us  is  to  hope, 

For  without  hope,  all  is  lost. 
Cruel  Fate,  we  can't  revoke, 

Though  our  .bark  by  storm  is  tossed. 


TIRED 

I  am  tired;  so  tired  of  waiting 

For  that  which  will  never  be; 

Tired,  so  tired  of  longing 

For  rest  that  is  not  for  me. 

Tired ;  so  tired  of  bearing, 

The  burdens  of  grief  and  pain. 
Tired  of  wishing  and  hoping, 

When  hopes  are  all  in  vain. 

Tired ;  so  tired,  of  trying 

Life's  weary  work  to  do; 

Tired  of  forever  dreaming 

Dreams  that  never  are  true. 

Tired ;  so  tired  of  striving, 

If  nothing  but  sorrow  will  fall 

To  my  lot  while  here  I'm  living, 
Yes,  so  tired  of  it  alL 


I  HAVE  A  FRIEND 

I  have  a  friend  who's  constant,  kind  and  true, 

My  dearest  friend ; 
May  all  the  joys  that  Heaven  or  earth  imbue, 

Thy  Ufe  attend. 

I  have  a  friend  who's  all  in  all  to  me, 

A  friend  most  dear, 
Whose  presence  gives  the  greatest  joy  I  see, 

My  life  most  cheer, 

I  have  a  friend.    Oh  may  kind  Heaven  above, 

All  good  things  send 
To  bless  the  one  whom  evermore  I  love, 

My  more  than  friend 


(4) 


MY  LOVE  OF  LONG  AGO 

Oh !  long  ago,  in  accents  low. 

Love  whispered  unto  me 
The  sweetest  words  I  e'er  have  heard — 

"I  love  thee,  only  thee." 

The  moon  shone  bright,  my  heart  was  light. 

No  sorrow  did  I  fear; 
Bright  was  the  beam  of  love's  sweet  dream 

When  love,  my  love,  was  near. 

Oh  happy  hour !  Oh  -wondrous  power ! 

That  should  such  love  bestow; 
Ah!  ever  true  I'll  be  to  you, 

My  love  of  long  ago. 

And  now  at  last,  though  years  have  passed 
And  hearts  are  filled  with  grief, 

Sweet  thoughts  of  thee  will  ever  be 
A  solace  and  relief. 

Though  all  the  while  we  may  not  smile, 

May  not  be  glad  and  gay, 
Thy  presence  dear,  my  life  doth  cheer, 

And  grief  doth  chase  away. 

Ah !  love  so  true  may  bless  but  few, 

How  great  the  joy  to  know 
Thy  love  of  yore  lives  evermore, 

My  love  of  long  ago. 


"IF" 

If,  as  youVe  walked  the  path  of  life, 

You  never  have  sorrow  known, 
If  you've  escaped  all  care  and  strife, 

And  have  made  no  bitter  moan, 
You  may  be  happy,  glad  and  free 

But  you  cannot  understand 
What  a  trial  your  neighbor's  life  must  be, 

Who  with  grief  walks  hand  in  hand. 

If  you  have  much  of  this  world's  wealth 

But  have  never  worked  and  toiled ; 
If  you  are  blessed  with  the  joy  of  health, 

And  your  hands  have  never  soiled, 
You  may  bow  down  in  thanks  to  Heaven 

For  the  gift  of  gold  and  land; 
But  want  with  which  the  poor  have  striven 

You  never  can  understand. 

If  you've  been  always  good  and  just, 

And  never  a  wrong  have  done, 
If  you've  been  true  to  every  trust 

And  kind  toward  every  one, 
If  you've  been  sinless  from  your  youth, 

No  taunt  nor  jeering  thrown, 
If  you  affirm  all  this  with  truth, 

Then  "Cast  thou  first  the  stone." 


SOMETHING 

We  may  dream  of  some  happy  moment 

But  when  it  comes  and  has  passed 
There  was  "something"  to  vex  and  torment. 

So  'tis  only  a  dream  at  last. 
We  think  of  some  coming  day  of  joy 

And  happiness,  all  our  own ; 
Yet  there's  always  "something"  to  annoy 

And  such  happiness  ne'er  is  known. 

With  eager  thought  we  dream  of  the  bliss 

That  shall  come  to  us  bye  and  bye, 
Then  "something"  happens ;  the  joy  we  miss 

But  alas !  we  cannot  tell  why. 
There's  always  "something"  our  hopes  to  crush, 

No  matter  how  real  they  seem, 
Yet  the  heart  still  beats  to  the  magic  rush 

Of  some  distant  murmuring  stream. 

O  imagined  stream  that  shall  bear  along 

That  something  so  eagerly  sought 
Yet  faileth  not  to  bring  something  wrong 

Which  maketh  our  pleasure  naught. 
Oh !  why  should  "something"  bring  care  and  strife 

When  we  think  in  our  joy  to  rest? 
When  there  is  something  we  miss  in  life 

Why  should  it  seem  dearest  and  best? 


GOLDEN  HOURS 

The  golden  hours  of  the  future, 

Oh  the  happy  joyous  day, 
When  the  hopes  and  plans  we  nurture, 

In  reality  shall  stay, 
Thus  we  dream  away  the  morning 

And  see  not  the  joys  that  lie 
Scattered  'round  us  at  the  dawning 

We  might  find  them  if  we'd  try. 

The  past  we  have  left  behind  us, 

It  has  gone  beyond  recall; 
The  future  is  far  beyond  us, 

And  may  not  be  ours  at  all. 
The  present  then  is  ours  alone, 

Strive  to  enjoy  today; 
For  a  cheerful  smile  and  gentle  tone 

May  drive  much  care  away. 

Each  one  in  this  world  of  sorrow 

Must  bear  some  burden  of  grief. 
Think  not  of  troubles  tomorrow, 

Tomorrow  may  bring  relief. 
Try  to  see  the  sunshine  ever, 

Though  cold  and  dark  the  way, 
For  the  future  may  give  us  never 

The  golden  hours  of  today. 


DAYS  OF  YORE 

The  sun  may  shine  as  bright. 

The  birds  sing  just  as  sweet, 

The  moon  and  stars  come  forth  to  light 
Our  weary  wand'ring  feet. 

But  happy  days  of  yore, 

When  faith  and  hope  were  mine, 
Will  to  my  heart  come  never  more, 

Such  peace  around  me  twine. 

Ah!  then  I  thought  the  years 

Would  all  be  bright  and  fair~ 

I  had  no  thought,  no  haunting  fears 
That  sorrow  would  be  there. 

I  sang  glad  songs  all  day. 

My  heart  was  free  from  carey 

I  gathered  flowers  on  my  way, 
The  garlands  bright  to  wear,. 

But  now  that  years  have  passed, 

Have  brought  more  pain  than  joy; 

I  know  joy  cannot  always  last 
Or  be  without  alloy. 

Yet  e'en  amidst  the  grief, 

I  know  there's  love  that's  true, 

Though  flowers  will  fade,  must  fall  the  leaf. 
And  often  friends  are  few,, 

I  will  not  weep  and  moan, 

But  take  the  joy  that's  given* 

I'll  try  to  bear  the  pain  alone, 
And  leave  it  all  to  Heaven, 


LIFE'S  JOURNEY 

As  through  life  you  journey  onward 

Many  a  day  you'll  see  that's  fair. 
Yet  if  darkness  closes  'round  you 

Don't  give  up  to  wild  despair: 
Do  not  scorn  to  pluck  the  flowers, 

Though  by  noisome  weeds  they  grow, 
Do  not  cast  the  sunshine  from  you, 

For  too  soon  alas,  'twill  go. 

You  cannot  have  the  sunshine, 

Without  the  clouds  and  storm, 
And  you  cannot  have  the  roses, 

Without  the  brier  and  thorn ; 
Nor  the  gentle  shade  of  evening, 

Without  the  noontide  heat, 
For  this  world  is  full  of  brambles, 

As  well  as  flowers  sweet. 

You  must  not  expect  your  pathway 

To  be  strewn  with  flowers  fair, 
For  you'll  surely  find  the  thistles. 

Yet  "with  diligence  and  care 
You  may  gather  up  the  flowers, 

Fold  them  gently  to  your  breast, 
Where  the  brier  or  the  bramble 

May  no  more  disturb  their  rest. 

Do  not  let  the  night  and  darkness 

Fill  your  soul  with  dread  despair, 
'When  the  morn  comes  forth  in  brightness 

May  not  joy  await  you  there? 
Bid  "sweet  Tiope,  the  bird  so  snowy, 

Fold  her  white  wings  'round  thy  heart" ; 
Though  sometimes  you'll  miss  the  sunshine, 

Yet  light  will  not  all  depart. 

(10) 


HOME  UPON  THE  HILL 

On  the  hill-side,  softly  shaded, 

A  cottage  nestled  white; 
The  sweet  flowers  bloomed  and  faded,, 

The  sun  shone  clear  and  bright; 
And  the  sounds  of  childish  laughter 

That  rang  the  glad  refrain, 
Though  'tis  many  long  years  after,. 

In  mem'ry  stfll  remain. 

Home, — where  sisters'  love  and  brothers* 

Were  so  dear  to  each  one  there — 
Where  a  kind  and  loving  mother's 

And  a  tender  father's  care 
Made  glad  the  little  children's  hearts 

Who  played  upon  the  lawn-. 
But  alas!  the  day  of  youth  departs. 

And  the  children  now  are  gone. 

From  their  happy  home  of  childhood, 

All  have  wandered  far  away ; 
Yet  the  birds,  the  flowers,  the  wildwoocf, 

Are  in  my  thoughts  today; 
And  as  memory  the  tide  doth  stem,. 

Tears  start  against  my  will, 
For  I  was  one  among  them, 

Who  played  upon  the  hilL 

Ah !  youth  cannot  last  forever, 

Those  happy  days  will  go, 
And  our  saddened  hearts  may  never 

More,  the  faith  of  childhood  know. 
Yet  there's  joy  beyond  all  measure, 

Though  now  'tis  lone  and  still, 
In  the  thoughts  that  memory  treasure 

Of  the  home  upon  the  hill. 


ONE  BY  ONE 

One  by  one,  the  days  go  by, 
Cloud  then  sunshine  fills  the  sky; 
When  hearts  are  sad  the  hours  seem  long, 
But  short  if  spent  in  pleasure's  throng. 

One  by  one,  the  years  roll  on, 
After  darkness  comes  the  dawn. 
Though  some  may  suffer  deep  distress, 
Yet  peace  and  comfort  others  bless. 

One  by  one,  the  seeds  we  sow 
Bring  grief,  or  blessings,  as  they  grow; 
We  reap  the  tares  with  tears  and  pain 
Or  gather  golden  sheaves  of  grain. 

One  by  one,  the  burdens  dark 
Come  with  pain,  our  lives  to  mark, 
Yet  happy  hours  we  all  shall  know, 
Enjoy  them  gladly,  e'er  they  go. 

One  by  one,  some  precious  gift 
Is  sent  the  drooping  soul  to  lift, 
With  grateful  heart  each  one  accept, 
Resign  them  bravely  when  bereft. 

One  by  one  life's  duties  all 
Must  be  accomplished,  great  and  small, 
If  we've  done  well  we  shall  be  blest, 
As  one  by  one  we  go  to  rest. 


(12) 


A  SUPPLICATION 

When  life  is  o'er,  and  we  are  here  no  more 

Will  the  sun's  effulgent  rays 

Illuminate  always 

The  path  we  tread  on  that  ethereal  shore  ? 

When  we  have  passed  the  portals  dark  at  last 

If  there  a  voice  we  hear, 

Say  "Fear  not  I  am  near," 

Shall  we  in  awe  view  all  Thy  splendors  vast? 

When  friends  we  leave — from  death  there's  no  reprieve, 

If  we  by  pure  intent 

Shall  be  at  last  content, 

Oh  may  the  loved  ones  left  peace  then  retrieve. 

Thy  ways  are  wise,  Thy  mercy  never  dies, 

But  Oh !  our  hearts  are  weak ; 

From  Thee  more  strength  we  seek 

Oh  send  us  now  Thy  blessing  from  the  skies. 


(13) 


IF  WE  ONLY  KNEW 

If  we  only  knew  the  sorrow, 

If  we  knew  the  care  and  pain, 
That  the  coming  years  would  bring  us, 

Would  we  wish  to  know  again? 
When  our  hopes  have  fled  and  left  us, 

Not  a  joy  to  heal  the  wound, 
And  the  castles  we've  erected 

All  have  crumbled  to  the  ground. 

Then  there's  time  enough  for  grieving, 

For  if  we  had  known  before, 
Life  would  be  devoid  of  sunshine, 

Filled  with  darkness  evermore. 
Could  we've  had  the  strength  to  battle, 

With  the  fierce  storms  overhead, 
Or  gleaned  one  ray  of  brightness, 

From  the  hopes,  that  now  lie  dead? 

If  we  only  knew  the  morrow 

Would  to  us  bring  pain  and  woe, 
All  the  bitter  grief  we'd  suffer, 

None  on  earth  could  ever  know^ 
It  is  best  we  should  not  know  it, 

God  is  wiser  far  than  we, 
And  hath  bid  us  bear  with  patience, 

Whatso'er  our  lot  may  be. 


SWEET  SLEEP 
Oh !  'tis  sweet  to  rest  in  sleep, 

When  the  day's  dull  cares  are  o'er; 
Where  all  trouble,  slight  or  deep, 

For  a  while  we'll  know  no  more. 
When  the  light  again  appears 

And  another  day's  begun, 
Lesser  trouble  disappears 

'Neath  the  radiance  of  the  sun. 

Oh !  'tis  sweet  to  rest  in  sleep, 

When  our  cares  seem  to  increase ; 
When  life's  sorrows  o'er  us  sweep 

And  the  heart-ache  ne'er  doth  cease, 
For  in  sleep  we  rest  secure 

With  our  trials  all  forgot, 
There  is  nothing  to  endure 

When  in  dreams,  we  know  them  not. 

Oh !  'tis  sweet  to  rest  in  sleep*; 

There  all  vexing  thoughts  are  gone, 
Years  of  joy  at  once  we  keep 

In  our  dreams,  'twixt  eve  and  dawn ; 
Where  grim  poverty  and  pride 

Can  no  more  our  lives  annoy, 
In  those  castles  we  abide 

Which  our  waking  hours  destroy. 

Oh !  'tis  sweet  to  rest  in  sleep, 

'Tis  a  blessing  sent  from  God; 
There  His  children,  though  they  weep. 

May  find  respite  from  the  rod. 
Though  we're  oft  severely  tried, 

Yet,  when  all  life's  work  is  done, 
May  the  joy  thaf  s  here  denied 

In  that  long  last  sleep  be  won. 


(15) 


"JUDGE  NOT." 

When  we  see  some  one,  a  neighbor, 

Doing  wrong,  as  we  may  think ; 
Though  he  shrink  from  honest  labor 

And  seems  on  destruction's  brink, 
Do  not  say  that  he  deserves  to  fall 

Or  make  darker  still  his  lot, 
There's  a  wiser  power  above  us  all, 

'Tis  for  us  to  judge  him  not. 

When  we  see  some  struggling  one  who  tries 

It  might  seem,  in  vain  to  live, 
If  we  cannot  help  him  to  arise 

Words  to  harm  him  do  not  give — 
Though  we  are  great,  his  resource  small, 

And  his  life  seems  wrong  and  weak, 
Remember,  God  shall  judge  us  all, 

Let  us  not  our  judgment  speak. 

We  may  not  know  the  circumstance 

All  the  grief  through  which  they've  passed, 
We  cannot  tell  what  earthly  chance 

May  have  caused  their  fall  at  last. 
But  He  who  knows  our  every  thought, 

Knows  who's  false,  or  who  is  true, 
He  shall  judge  aright,  if  sin  they've  wrought, 

He  shall  judge  us,  me  and  you. 


(16) 


LITTLE  WORDS 

Oh !  how  many  times  are  harsh  words  spoken 

Without  a  thought 
Of  the  cruel  sting,  or  heart  half  broken 

Such  words  have  wrought. 
Ah !  if  we  knew  what  pain  they  leave, 
With  words  no  more  our  friends  we'd  grieve  ,- 
Though  we're  forgiven  and  the  past  retrieve, 

'Tis  dearly  bought. 

How  like  incense  sweet,  is  a  gentle  word 

To  weary  hearts ; 
When  bowed  with  grief,  and  a  kind  voice  is  heard1 

Much  pain  departs. 
Then  let  us  do  what's  in  our  power 
To  cheer  the  soul,  make  bright  the  hour, 
It  will  on  us  far  greater  blessings  shower 

Than  wealth  imparts. 


(17) 


FAIR  ISLE 

O'er  the  deep  blue  sea. 
How  I  long  to  glide, 
From  the  world  I'd  flee, 
Leave  its  cares  and  pride. 
On  some  fair  sweet  isle 
Full  of  joy  serene 
I'd  the  hours  beguile 
Amid  nature's  scene, 
Where  from  waving  trees 
Comes  the  silvery  note 
Wafted  on  the  breeze 
From  the  songster's  throat 
While  the  brooklet's  flow 
Mingles  with  the  sound 
And  sweet  zephyrs  blow, 
Bringing  rest   profound. 
Oh  fair  isle  to  thee 
Would  I  haste  away 
O'er  the  deep  blue  sea 
In  thy  bowers  to  stray — 
By  thy  murm'ring  stream 
Fragrant  flowers  grow 
There  to  live  and  dream, 
Oh  I  fain  would  go. 


(18) 


HOPE 

What  would  life  be  to  us  without  hope  ? 

O  thou  radiant  beacon  of  light ! 
With  life's  myst'ries  we  better  may  cope 

When  thy  brightness  illumines  the  night. 
In  all  grief  laden  hearts  hope  doth  dwell 

Though  it  may  often  seem  ta  have  fled! 
Dark  despair  from  the  soul  it  dispels 

And  around  us  Joy's  mantle  doth  spread! 

Though  our  hearts  may  no  more  be  as  light 

As  in  halcyon  days  of  our  youth, 
Yet  in  day  dreams  there  comes  to  our  sight 

Visions  dearer  than  life's  sternest  truth. 
Though  we  feel  disappointment's  keen  stingv 

Joy  eludes  us  and  pleasures  flee  fast, 
Though  friends  fail  us  and  fortune  takes 
wing 

Yet  hope  ever  remains  till  the  East. 

O  thou  priceless,  thou  eternal  boon  f 

Life  is  naught  with  thy  guiding  star  set  ,- 
All  around  us,  thy  low  restful  tune 

Tells  of  light — we  the  darkness  forget. 
Though  'tis  hard  to  see  clearly  the  way 

When  our  hopes  here  so  oft  prove  in  vairr 
Yet  it  cheers  and  makes  brighter  the  day 

When  we  hear  thy  endearing  refrain*,. 


(19) 


THAT  TIME  HAS  PASSED 

I  can  no  more  know  grief  so  wild  and  weird 

As  once  swept  o'er  me,  with  its  chilling  blast, 

No  joy  nor  sorrow  nor  all  things  endeared 

Can  move  me  now  as  then ;  that  time  has  passed. 

Yes  it  is  o'er,  and  with  a  life  subdued 

I  view  the  wreck  devoid  of  sail  or  mast ; 

I  rave  no  more,  though  with  a  strength  renewed 

The  foaming  billows  dash;  that  time  has  passed. 

Tossed  by  the  waves,  by  angry  breakers  flung 
Relentlessly,  upon  the  rocks  I'm  cast; 

Though  from  the  spirit  every  hope  be  wrung 

Yet  will  I  murmur  not ;  that  time  has  passed. 

I  look  toward  the  dark  horizon's  bar, 

Yet  see  no  gleam  amid  the  darkness  vast, 

Calmly  await  the  warnings  from  afar; 

I  neither  hope  nor  fear;  that  time  has  passed. 


(20) 


WAITING,  YKS  WAITING. 

We're  waiting,  yes  waiting,  from  morn  until  eve 
While  each  dreary  day  the  same  burden  doth  leave, 
Forever  imploring  some  unforseen  fate 
To  enable  us  calmly,  with  patience  to  wait. 

Waiting,  yes  waiting;  how  patience  is  taxed 
As  we  wearily  struggle  with  smiles  unrelaxed, 

To  hide  from  the  world  what  we  fain  would  have  hidden 
While  time  moveth  slowly  on  wings  that  are  leaden. 

Waiting,  yes  waiting,  for  unfulfilled  hope 

To  crown  us  with  blessings.     How  wide  is  the  scope 

Of  our  ideal  visions!  yet  oft  they  allure, 

Then  trials  seem  harder  for  us  to  endure. 

Waiting,  yes  waiting,  "The  mills  slowly  grind," 
He  who  steadfastly  waiteth  a  treasure  may  find; 
Yet  many  have  waited  to  reap  at  the  last, 
The  seeds  of  regret  for  the  years  that  are  past. 

Waiting,  yes  waiting;  how  long  must  we  wait? 
Living  lives  of  suspense,  while  we  anticipate 
Some  circumstance  better  wherein  we  are  blest; 
Thereby  ever  striving  to  itill  our  unrest- 


(21) 


COME  SUMMER  DAYS 

Autumn's  golden  days  have  passed; 
With  us  now  is  Winter's  blast, 
Frozen  earth  and  frigid  sky, 
With  the  snow  flakes  whirling  by. 
Phantom  scenes  from  Winter's  gone 
'Round  me  seem  to  glide  along, 
How  the  ghostly  spectral  train 
Fills  my  heart  with  silent  pain. 

Come  O  Spring !  with  balmy  breath, 
Chase  away  this  chill  of  death ! 
Come,  O  come !  with  crystal  showers, 
Buds  and  blossoms,  birds  and  flowers. 
Could  I  hear  thy  murm'ring  trees, 
Catch  the  sweetly  scented  breeze, 
I  might  then  forget  the  pain, 
Find  in  mem'ry  a  sweeter  strain. 

Come  O  fairest  Summer  days! 
With  thy  hours  of  dreamy  maze, 
'Round  me  then  from  mem'ry's  hall 
Sweeter  echoes  lightly  fall; 
From  the  flower  decked  earth  arise 
Songs  aeolian  to  the  skies ; 
Brighter  shine  hope's  glim'ring  rays 
In  the  fair  sweet  Summer  days. 


(22) 


IS  IT  WORTH  THE  COST? 

What  have  we  attained, 

Toiling  all  the  day? 
Have  we  hope  sustained 

On  life's  weary  way? 
Some  loved  boon  to  gain 

We've  o'er  torrents  tossed 
If  won,  through  years  of  pain 

Is  it  worth  the  cost? 

Something  to  achieve 

Martyrdom  we  bear; 
Then  reap  at  last  dead  leaves 

And  withered  blossoms  wear. 
Oft  for  love  alone 

All  beside  is  lost, 
When  indifferent  grown* 

Is  it  worth  the  cost? 

Toiling  wearily  on 

Dreaming  of  a  time 
Of  rest,  when  years  have  gone 

In  some  more  genial  clime; 
Longing  for  a  gleam, 

To  fall  our  path  acrost 
If  fulfilled — the  dream* 

Is  it  worth  the  cost? 

Lofty  heights  we  climb 

With  lacerated  hand — 
Shall  we  hear  joy's  chime 

If  at  the  top  we  stand? 
Would  the  voice  of  fame 

Pay  for  all  we've  lost? 
Would  we  prize  a  name — 

Is  it  worth  the  cost? 

(23) 


'TIS  LONE,  SO  LONE. 

'Tis  lone,  so  lone,  from  morn  till  eventide ; 
Contentment,  O  why  wilt  thee  not  abide? 
With  fleeting  step  why  leave  the  ingleside  ? 
O  mortal  soulf  art  thou  ne'er  satisfied? 

'Tis  lone,  so  lone,  from  eve  till  break  of  day ; 
O  mystic  realm !  where  is  thy  power  to  stay 
The  restless  spirit:  night  stealeth  away; 
Dreamland's  bright  vision!  why  doth  thou  delay? 

'Tis  lone,  so  lone,  since  faintly  was  descried 
The  first  bright  gleam  on  which  the  soul  relied ; 
Inspiring  thoughts  the  soul  to  heart  confides 
For  one  brief  moment !  e'er  the  light  has  died. 

Tis  lone,  so  lone,  O  arid  years  that  roll 
Mournfully  on ;  for  buried  hopes  ye  toll ; 
With  what  regret  ye  fill  the  fainting  soul 
As  with  a  weary  step  we  near  our  goal. 


(24) 


LONG  AGO  AT  HOME 

O  do  you  remember  those  days  still? 

Long  ago  at  home ; 
When  we  climbed  the  steep  and  mossy  hill? 

Long  ago  at  home ; 
There  upon  the  lilac  scented  breeze 
Came  the  hum  of  honey  laden  bees, 
While  birds  warbled  sweetly  from  the  trees,. 

Long  ago  at  home. 

Can  you  see  the  vine-clad  cottage,  where 

Long  ago  at  home , 
Happily  we  dwelt  without  a  carer" 

Long  ago  at  home ; 
Gaily  rambling  over  hill  and  dale, 
Plucking  wild  flowers  in  the  shady  vale 
We  were  sheltered  from  the  storm  and  gale,, 

Long  ago  at  home. 

Smoothly  gliding  o'er  the  silver  stream, 

Long  ago  at  home; 
Youth  has  softly  dreamed  a  fair  bright  dream, 

Long  ago  at  home  ; 

Though  the  dreams  like  summer  birds  have  flown, 
Memory's  echoes  fainter  now  have  grown, 
Ne'er  forgotten,  is  the  joy  we've  known 

Long  ago  at  home. 


(25) 


YOUTH'S  DREAM 

When  youthful  minds,  like  buds  unfold, 

A  blissful  dream  is  theirs  untold; 

A  paradise  by  love  enhanced 

They  see ;  and  gaze  the  while  entranced 

Nor  see  the  darksome  cloud  arise, 

That  soon  may  spread  o'er  fair  blue  skies. 

They  draw  an  easy  breath,  and  smile ; 
Nor  pause  to  wonder,  yet  awhile 
Why  we  are  here  to  live  and  die, 
Why  tears  so  often  dim  the  eye ; 
Just  their  fair  world  with  naught  between 
Is  all  they  see  of  life's  great  scene. 

Ah  youth,  'twere  well  ye  saw  it  not ! 

That  naught  should  mar  thy  blissful  lot, 

As  on  a  light  and  airy  wing 

Ye  soar  in  sweet  imagining; 

For  soon  the  lowering  hueless  gray 

May  chase  the  azure  tints  away. 

When  whirling  winds  with  sobbing  sound 
Vie  with  the  storms,  that  drench  and  drown 
That  purer  sense  of  sweet  content 
Which  in  thy  placid  smile  finds  vent ; 
Then  ye  shall  know  a  sterner  fate, 
For  mortals  here  predominate. 

Though  calm  may  come  from  out  the  whirl 
And  threatening  clouds  their  mists  unfurl, 
Yet  when  ye  fain  would  mend  the  skein 
Of  circumstance,  t'were  all  in  vain; 
The  blissful  dream  is  gone  and  all 
That  thou  shalt  hear,  is  duty's  call. 

(26) 


REST 

: 

Rest,  O  rest! 

Come  to  me  for  I  am  tired ; 
That  which  once  I  most  desired 
Liveth  in  the  long  ago ; 
Twilight  nears,  I  weary  grow: 

Come,  O  rest! 

Peace,  sweet  peace! 
Let  thy  soothing  power  pervade 
Through  the  darkling  evening  shade; 
Make  thy  presence  felt  and  known 
In  the  heart  that's  tired  grown, 

Seeking  peace. 

Vanished  dreams! 
Of  the  past  thy  memory  thrills, 
Voiceless  echoes  naught  e'er  stills, 
Thy  illusive  spell  hath  wrought 
In  the  heart  a  deeper  thought — 

Dear  lost  dreams! 

Oh  content 

Let  not  elating  dreams  arise 
Which  here  I  ne'er  shall  realize; 
But  may  I  find  a  rest  profound 
Living  a  life  wherein  is  found 
E'en  content. 

Only  rest ! 

I  ask  for  thee,  and  thee  alone; 
Knowing  the  dim  uncertain  tone 
Of  seeming  joys,  which  soon  disclose 
A  discontent:  in  deep  repose 

I  would  rest. 

(27) 


WHAT  I  WOULD  ASK  FOR  THEE 

Prom  all  the  gifts  of  life  no  jeweled  crown 
I'd  choose  for  thee ;  nor  yet  the  world's  renown ; 
For  those  things  rarely  give  what  most  we  prize 
But  oft  deceive  us  by  their  fair  disguise ; 
The  gift  I'd  ask  for  thee  would  ever  bless. 
'Tis  may  life  always  bring  thee  happiness, 

Life's  happiness  cannot  be  bought  with  gold 
E'en  when  attained  'tis  difficult  to  hold, 
For  certain  penalties  we  all  must  pay 
Who  know  its  joys,.  For  all  things  fade  away. 
Then  would  I  ask  for  thee  a  true  content — 
Life's  happiness  without  its  punishment. 

It  is  a  gift  that  is  possessed  by  few, 

The  rarest  gift  of  earth  I  ask  for  you. 

And  having  gained  it  what  could  one  gain  more, 

Though  fame  were  his,  or  wealth  in  bounteous  store? 

In  asking  this  I  ask  all  life  can  give 

Or  Heaven  bestow  on  mortals  while  we  live. 


(28) 


ELYSIUM 

If  there  another's  love  was  like  our  own; 

Changeless  while  life  should  last, 

Or  time  be  known ; 

Where  kindest  thoughts  in  constant  interchange 

Dwelt  in  the  hearts  that  nothing  could  estrange- 

And  we  could  live  in  pure  felicity 

The  humblest  cot  a  paradise  would  be. 


(29) 


TO  A  DEPARTING  FRIEND 
Dearest  friend,  thy  steps  are  turning 

Far  away, — I  must  remain; 
I  am  for  thy  presence  yearning, 

With  a  grief  naught  can  restrain. 
Yet  thy  deeds  of  constant  kindness, 

Ever  shall  my  thoughts  pervade; 
Tears  will  dim  mine  eyes  to  blindness 

When  from  sight  thy  form  shall  fade. 
Friends  are  few,  and  often  fleeting; 

But  to  me,  thou'st  ever  been 
All  sufficient— each  thought  meeting 

A  response,  my  soul  within. 

Selfish  thoughts  O  let  me  banish, 

For  there  are  none  in  thy  heart, 
From  thy  soul  they  ever  vanish, 

In  thy  life  they  hold  no  part. 
Why  am  I  from  sorrow  shrinking 

Who  have  long  its  pathway  trod? 
Not  alone  the  dregs  I'm  drinking, 

Thou  hast  too  passed  'neath  the  rod. 
When  the  weeks  to  months  are  creeping, 

And  through  silent  hours  I  dream 
Dreams  that  come  not  while  I'm  sleeping 

But  like  mindful  spirits  seem, 

I  shall  know  of  what  thou'rt  thinking, 

Though  wide  lands  between  us  roll  ; 
Sympathy  is  ever  linking 

Thy  dear  thoughts,  within  my  soul. 
Wheresoe'er  thy  steps  are  wending, 

May  a  blessing  follow  fast ; 
May  Fate  with  thy  life  be  blending 

Sweetest  harmonies,  at  last. 
Not  until  again  I  meet  thee 

Somewhere  in  this  world  so  wide, 
Not  until  thy  voice  shall  greet  me, 

Will  my  heart  be  satisfied. 


WHAT  DOES  LIFE  GIVE 

What  does  life  give  that  can  atone  for  all  the  dreary  years 
Borne  forbearingly  in  silence  while  the  heart  were  full  of  tears ; 
Whence  comes  a  hope  sustaining  that  doth  live  to  recompense 
For  all  that's  lost  and  buried  in  the  shadows  dark  and  dense 
When  memory  has  numbered  every  pleasure  o'er  again, 
What  is  it  all,  and  where  a  joy  the  heart  can  e'er  retain. 

The  world  may  smile  enticingly,  fling  gifts  with  lavish  hands, 

Yet  if  they  are  accepted,  an  exacting  price  demands ; 

A  price  not  paid  with  gold  nor  gems — their  wealth  will  not 

suffice, 

For  Fate  is  inexorable,  and  heart  the  sacrifice. 
Yet  oft  'tis  valued  carelessly,  sometimes  scorned  bitterly ; 
Those  who  grasp  the  greatest  pleasures  suffer  pain  as  penalty. 

Life  gives  the  heart  a  wish  for  love,  desire  for  sympathy, 

Yet  many  souls  awaketh  late,  arise  from  lethargy 

To  meet  a  bliss  that's  brief,  and  scon  wrapped  in  appalling 

gloom 

They  bear  a  grief  that  time  can  only  hush  within  the  tomb. 
Fate,  thou  art  strong,  weak  mortals  here  no  triumphs  o'er  thee 

gain, 
For  though  they  cling  to  duty,  thou  hast  power  to  give  them 

pain. 

The  human  mind,  aspiring,  oft  may  gain  immortal  fame. 

Yet  however  great  or  noble,  time  leaveth  but  a  name. 

A  little  joy  life  giveth  with  a  vast  amount  of  grief 

From  which  though  great  the  struggle,  one  gaineth  small  relief. 

Life's  but  a  breath,  a  vapor,  like  a  bubble  quickly  goes; 

And  all  know  disappointment  from  its  morning  till  its  close. 


(31) 


WHY  SHOULD  IT  MATTER? 

Why  should  it  matter  how  much  hath  been  lost? 

The  story  is  ended,  and  bitter  the  cost : 

Only  the  ashes  of  colorless  gray 

Tell  how  consuming,  the  fire  that  held  sway. 

Close  the  book  softly  and  lay  it  aside ; 

How  hast  thou  fallen,  O  once  regal  pride! 

Bear  it  all  silently,  e'en  though  the  heart 
Throbbing  with  torture,  asunder  should  part ; 
Useless  is  pleading,  'twere  vain  to  implore 
For  that  which  naught  e'er  again  will  restore ; 
Light  giveth  way  to  the  darkness  o'er  head, 
Yet  why  should  it  matter,  when  hope  lieth  dead? 

Cast  a  dark  pall  o'er  the  pitiless  past, 
Where  is  there  aught  with  endurance  to  last? 
Bury  it  all  in  the  deep  darksome  earth, 
Back  to  the  dust  that  hath  given  it  birth ; 
Once  more  resuming  the  same  weary  strain, 
What's  more  enduring  than  sorrow  and  pain? 

Crush  back  the  yearning  that  filleth  the  soul ; 
When  hath  a  mortal  yet  reached  his  fair  goal  ? 
Even  though  happiness  seem  within  grasp, 
Still  it  forever  evadeth  the  clasp ; 
Hope's  joyful  greetings  now  cometh  no  more; 
Yet  why  should  it  matter,  'twill  all  soon  be  o'er. 


(32) 


THE  INDIAN  WARRIOR 

With  piercing  eye  upon  the  rocky  peak 

He  gazes  o'er  the  mountain  stream  and  plain, 
His  soul  aflame — his  nature  never  meek, 

Forbids  that  he  should  savage  ire  restrain. 
This  land  so  fair,  was  once  his  Fatherland, 

The  home  that  God  had  given  his  ancient  race. 
But  man  hath  driven  him  far  from  ocean's  strand,. 

To  seek  anew  a  transient  hiding  place. 

There  is  within  his  wild,  untutored  mind, 

Desire  for  vengeance  on  his  ruthless  foes.. 
His  hand  is  raised  alike  'gainst  all  mankind"; 

He  seeks  the  pale  face  wheresoe'er  he  goes. 
Though  crushed  and  driven  back,  he  ne'er  will  be 

Subdued  nor  conquered,  nor  shall  peace  be  found 
For  his  ungoverned  spirit  until  he 

Finds  rest  within  the  happy  hunting  grouncL 


(33) 


OH  TO  FORGET! 

Oh  to  forget ;  when  will  it  cease, — 
All  this  discord  that  hath  no  harmony  ; 
Wild  is  the  tune,  discordant  the  key, 
Will  the  notes  e'er  sound  a  sweet  song  of 
peace? 

Oh  to  forget;  O  to  be  free 
From  the  confusion  that  reigneth  supreme; 
Free  from  the  dark  turbulent  stream 
That  beareth  the  soul  to  a  fathomless  sea. 

Oh  to  forget  those  lucid  dreams 
That  mem'ry  exhumes  and  discloses  to  view  ; 
Those  mystical  hopes  time  doth  undo, 
And  promises  fair  that  life  never  redeems. 

Oh  to  forget ;  O  to  live  true- 
True  unto  conscience,  and  true  to  the  heart; 
Daring  to  bid  deception  depart, 
Nor  fearing  when  truth  is  given  in  lieu. 

Oh  to  forget  thoughts  that  impart 
Unceasing  pain  to  the  sensitive  mind, 
That  hath  not  been  permitted  to  find 
Existence,  where  duty  accords  with  the 
heart 


(34) 


LIGHT  THROUGH  DARKNESS 

The  heavens  look  dark ;  the  storm  is  wildly  beating; 

Against  the  panes ;  the  winds  with  wailing  cry 
Shriek  'round  the  gables;  yet  night's  surely  creeping: 
Toward  the  morn,  the  darkness  soon  must  die. 

Though  tempests  roar,  and  vivid  lightning  flashing 
Leaves  deeper  darkness  when  the  brief  light  diesr 

It  will  not  last ;  the  rain  in  torrents  dashing, 
Shall  be  succeeded  by  fair  azure  skies. 

So  may  it  be,  that  all  the  bitter  weeping 

Shall  sometime  cease,  as  cease  tempestuous  gales, 

And  latent  joy,  that  now  is  only  sleeping, 

Shall  wake  the  chords  where  harmony  prevails. 

Then,  weary  soul,  look  for  a  beacon's  gleaming, 

When  life's  frail  craft  is  tossed  by  foam  lashed  waves, 

Some  guiding  light  at  last  may  cast  its  beaming 
O'er  the  sad  heart,  and  grant  the  rest  it  craves. 

Though  long  hath  been  the  watching,  and  the  waiting, 
Through  years  whose  days  have  worn  the  gloom  of 
night, 

The  fury  of  the  storm  is  now  abating, 

Perchance  there  may  at  last  shine  forth  a  light. 

Hope  on,  hope  on;  e'en  now  the  gloom  is  fading, 
A  faintly  glimmering  light  may  be  discerned ; 

Oh  may  its  brightness,  future  years  pervading 

Yield  jay,  that  hath  been  through  endurance  earned. 


(35) 


JRETROSPECT 

Would  I  wish  again  to  be  a  child?  Ah  no! 
For  then  I  needs  must  live  them  o'er  again 
Those  years  which  have  been  fraught  with  so  much 

pain; 

Must  once  more  climb  the  hill,  in  swift  pursuit 
Of  pleasure,  whose  voice  is  silent  now  and  mute. 
But  hope  is  high  in  youth — Ah  me !  how  could  I  know. 

If  we  could  tread  life's  path  again  and  know 

Just  where  it  lead — could  see  the  strife,  turmoil 

And  misery — 'twould  make  the  bravest  heart  recoil; 

Could  see  our  shattered  idols,  as  they  are, 

Just  made  of  common  clay  like  to  ourselves,  'twould 

mar 
All  earthly  pleasures,  which  at  best  are  few. 


(36) 


THEN  AND  NOW. 

Yes  we  v/ere  happy  then  when  youth  was  with  us 

Nor  did  we  pause  to  ponder  blessings  o'er, 
We  dreamed  our  dreams,  believing  life  would  give  us 

Abundant  harvests  from  the  world's  vast  store ; 
We  dreamed  of  love  and  joy  with  naught  to  grieve  us 

With  nothing  lost,  where  all  to  us  was  gain. 
Alas !  that  dreams  so  fair  should  fail  and  leave  us 

To  mortal  agony  and  bitter  pain. 

We  could  not  see  beyond  the  present's  brightness 

The  gloom  that  filled  the  future's  vast  expanse; 
Our  hearts  were  full  of  innocence  and  lightness, 

We  thought  each  day  would  but  our  joy  enhance ; 
Our  eyes  saw  not  the  thorny  path  we'd  follow, 

Nor  did  we  dream  of  bitter  tears  we'd  shed. 
Life  then  to  us  was  not  so  false  and  hollow 

That  lips  should  smile  to  cover  pain  and  dread. 

But  now  alas  we've  learned  the  bitter  lesson, 

Now  youth's  departed  and  our  hopes  have  flown. 
How  memory  haunts  us  as  we  strive  to  press  on 

Toward  the  goal — with  weary  step — alone. 
The  evening  finds  us  strangely  worn  and  shaken, 

The  voices  we  have  loved  have  silent  grown, 
Sad  thoughts  come  first  to  greet  us  when  we  waken 

And  all  remind  us  that  our  summer's  flown. 

Then  we  with  bounding  pulses,  hearts  of  gladness, 

Saw  only  brightness  for  the  coming  years. 
Now  we  know  all  that  intervened  of  sadness 

And  bowed  us  low  with  grief  and  falling  tears, 
Then  we  desired  to  mold  our  fate,  and  rather 

Guide  our  own  footsteps  than  be  led  by  Thee. 
Now  we  would  only  ask  that  Thou,  O  Father, 

Wouldst  lead  us  onward  o'er  life's  troubled  sea. 

(37) 


TO  A  SON 

A  mother's  pride  is  in  her  son, 
And  if  high  honor  he  should  win 
And  fame  and  fortune  smile  on  him, 

Her  heart's  desire  is  won. 
Yet  should  the  world  see  naught  to  praise 
Nor  find  a  merit  to  proclaim, 
Though  fortune  frown,  through  all  his  days, 

Her  love  remains  the  same. 


(38) 


THE  GIFT  OF  YOUTH. 

A  charm  is  thine,  a  gift  of  priceless  worth, 

I  too  possessed  it  once,  yet  deemed  it  naught 

But  wished  the  years  to  pass,  that  o'er  the  earth 
I  might  pursue  the  happiness  I  sought. 

Enjoy  thy  childhood ;  ere  the  fleeting  hour 
Shall  bear  the  charm  away  in  very  truth 

Where  nothing  e'er  again  shall  have  the  power 
To  give  it  thee — that  priceless  gift  of  youth. 


(39) 


THE  OLD  MILL  STREAM 

Through  all  the  miles  that  intervene 

O'er  mountains  clad  with  snow, 
I  trace  the  years  that  lie  between 

Me  and  the  long  ago. 
As  memory  leads  me  o'er  the  strand, 

I  catch  the  water's  gleam — 
Again  upon  the  bank  I  stand 

Beside  the  old  mill  stream. 

Once  more  I  walk  the  village  street, 

I  climb  the  steep  hillside; 
With  joy  I  seek  my  old  retreat, 

Within  the  shadows  wide. 
Thought  builds  anew  the  castles  fair, 

Oh  bright  illusive  dream 
Of  youth !  devoid  of  every  care, 

Beside  the  old  mill  stream. 

Those  years  have  passed  and  on  my  day 

The  twilight  shadows  fall: 
Yet  o'er  the  hard  and  toilsome  way 

Thy  mercy  covers  all. 
Though  far  away  we  all  now  roam, 

Yet  often,  as  I  dream, 
I  meet  the  ones  I  loved  at  home, 

Beside  the  old  mill  stream. 


(40) 


FATE'S  TRIUMPH 

Deep  from  the  heart,  the  same  rebellious  cry 
Hath  issued  forth,  from  dreary  year  to  year ; 

With  bitter  murmurings  that  will  never  die.* 
Against  a  fate  that's  but  a  living  lie ; 

Yet  now,  as  from  the  first,  triumphantly 

That  fate  remains;  nor  heedeth  time  nor  tear. 

Those  inner  thoughts  within  the  troubled  mind 
Repeatedly  the  ways  and  means  rehearse ; 

Yet  in  decrees  of  fate  no  solace  find, 

Whcse  edict  is  most  cruelly  unkind, 

And  whose  dark  fetters  often  strongly  bind 
A  life  unto  a  life,  though  'tis  a  curse. 

What  human  power  can  set  the  fates  aside? 

Why  hearken  to  an  oft  conflicting  thought 
That  only  raiseth  hope,  to  soon  deride 

As  too  unrealistic  to  abide  ,* 
O  heart  canst  thou  not  learn, — be  satisfied, 

That  'tis  beyond  the  reach  what  ye  have  sought? 

O  tired  feet,  now  rest  ye  in  despair, 

For  ye  have  trod  life's  dreary  path  in  vain ; 

O  weary  hands  that  signs  of  labor  wear, 
How  gladly  would  ye  toil,  if  only  there 

With  thee  were  love  the  woe  and  weal  to  share,. 
And  yet  it  is  a  boon  thou  canst  not  gain. 

Turn,  weary  soul,  to  the  declining  sun, 

*Tis  sinking  'heath  the  far  horizon's  crest; 

So  also  is  thy  course  now  nearly  run ; 

Through  all  the  years  of  pain,  what  hath  been  won? 
'Tis  not  to  be, — close  now  sad  eyes,  and  rest. 


(41) 


STORM  TOSSED 

When  the  clouds  have  gathered  o'er  us, 

And  we  miss  the  light  of  day ; 
When  their  shadows  lie  before  us, 

Making  difficult  the  way — 
When  we  are  by  darkness  hovered 

Let  us  not  forget  'tis  true, 
Silver  Linings  oft  are  covered 

By  the  clouds  of  blackest  hue. 

When  our  pathway  seems  to  lengthen 

Far  beyond  the  fading  light, 
If  we  persevere,  'twill  strengthen, 

There  can  be  no  endless  night. 
Through  experience  all  are  learning, 

Keep  the  light  of  hope  ahead; 
For  the  lane  that  has  no  turning 

Is  a  long  one — it  is  said. 

When  the  burdens  that  we  carry 

Seem  beyond  our  strength  to  bear, 
Yet  we  may  not  rest  nor  tarry 

In  the  darkness  any  where; 
^When  we  think  the  light  will  never 

Shine  again — that  hope  is  gone. 
Then  remember,  that  'tis  ever 

Darkest,  just  before  the  dawn. 


(42) 


THY 


I've  lived  my  life,  the  clouds  have  drifted  by 
That  in  my  youthful  hours  had  seemed  so 

fair 
And  those  whose  darkness  covered  all  the 

sky, 

Have  also  vanished  in  the  ether  air; 
And  yet  to  tread  the  ordinary  way 

Is  harder  far,  though  wind  and  gale  lies 

low, 

For  bliss  and  sentiment  has  had  its  day, 
Yet  since  it  is  Thy  will  —  then  be  it  so, 

Now  memory  leads  me  back  to  other  years, 

Oh  happy  years  !  The  shadows  lightly  fall, 
Storms  are  unheeded,  and  there  are  no  fears 

Within  my  heart,  for  love  is  all  in  all 
And  walks  beside  me.  There's  another  clasp.. 

A  childish  hand,  my  baby  boy's  —  When  Ic  ! 
The  dream  has  faded  from  my  eager  grasp 

Yet  since  it  is  Thy  will  —  then  be  it  so. 

The  sun  has  sunk  to  rest,  the  twilight  cold 

Casts  but  a  fitful  gleam  across  my  way. 
The  light  is  fading  —  I  am  growing  old  ; 

Lead  me  my  Father,  unto  Thee  I  pray; 
The  unknown  path  —  why  should  I  fear  it 
now, 

Thy  way  is  best,  at  last  I've  learned  to 

know. 
In  resignation  unto  Thee  I  bow, 

For  since  it  is  Thy  will  —  then  be  it  so. 


(43) 


A  NEW  DAWN 

•'    :          ,: 

Happier  days  surround  us, 
Those  of  the  past  have  gone. 
Loftier  thoughts  around  us 

Tell  of  a  soft  new  dawn ; 
Memories  of  grief  and  passion 

Sink  'neath  the  ocean  vast, 
While  peace  in  her  own  calm  fashion 

Surges  the  soul  at  last. 

Out  in  the  vast  forever 
Whither  we  all  are  bound, 
Lingers  the  good,  that  never 

Lacking  in  love  is  found. 
Looking  with  clearer  vision 

Into  the  past,  we  find 
T'was  but  a  needed  mission 

To  strengthen  and  build  the  mind. 

While  in  the  living  presence 
Of  those  who  are  unseen, 
We  drink  the  purer  essence, 

And  on  greater  wisdom  lean ; 
Soon  with  the  veil  uplifted 

We'll  wider  knowledge  gain — 
When  the  clouds  have  all  been  rifted, 

-Life's  mysteries  will  be  plain. 


(44) 


Renewed  book.  «•«*> 



lOAw' 


YB   I225o 


UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA  LIBRARY 


